Review: Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid Jacket

“Just in case” is the mantra for high-elevation pursuits. The Helium Hybrid wind jacket is perfectly suited for just-in-case scenarios. The nylon body and sleeves are wind and water resistant, while the hood and shoulders have waterproof Pertex Shield fabric to protect your most exposed assets. “It kept me dry during 15 minutes of full-on downpour,” one tester said. It’s comfortable to wear under a pack or a harness, and it weighs a scant 5.7 ounces (men’s large). A bendable wire brim kept sideways rain out of testers’ faces, and a cinch cord on the hood enabled a custom fit. Stuff it into its pocket—the size of a large orange—and clip it to your harness.$125; outdoorresearch.com